RSC Pilikula

Proposed Site

The proposed site for the Regional Science Centre covers an expansive area of 11 acres and is situated at Pilikula Nisarga Dhama, Mangalore. This site forms an integral part of Pilikula Nisarga Dhama (Pilikula), a significant eco-education and tourism development project promoted by the District Administration of Dakshina Kannada, located in the picturesque city of Mangalore in Karnataka State, India.

A Hub of Cultural, Educational, and Scientific Interests

Pilikula is an integrated theme park featuring a wide array of attractions that cater to cultural, educational, and scientific interests. Spread across a sprawling 370 acres, the park encompasses a lush tropical forest and the serene Pilikula Lake. The project, which is already home to a Biological Park, an Arboretum, and the proposed Science Centre, also includes a Lake Park with a Boating Centre, a Water Amusement Park, and a Golf Course. Future developments within Pilikula are set to introduce a Heritage Village, an Ayurveda Health Therapy Centre, and Tourist Cottages, further enhancing its appeal.

Inspiration and Vision

Pilikula is perhaps the first project of its kind in India, drawing inspiration from the concept of offering a holistic experience of the region's natural and cultural heritage, combined with modern recreational facilities. The vision behind Pilikula is not just to create a recreational space but to foster a deep connection with the native environment and traditions of the Dakshina Kannada region.

Conservation and Heritage

Located near the Western Ghats mountain range, one of the 18 globally recognized biodiversity hotspots, Pilikula is dedicated to conserving the unique wildlife and plant species of the region, helping to protect them from extinction. The project also serves as a showcase for the rich native heritage and coastal culture of the people of Dakshina Kannada district, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the traditions and natural beauty of the area.

The Regional Science Centre at Pilikula, Mangalore, is a visionary project proposed by the National Council of Science Museums, an autonomous organization under the Department of Culture, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The design of this centre aims to create an architectural form that is both functional and reflective of the local character, harmonizing with the natural environment of the region.

One of the key design elements is the use of large sloping roofs, which are clad with Mangalore tiles. These roofs not only provide protection from the region’s heavy rains but also contribute to the building’s aesthetic appeal, creating a visual link to traditional local architecture. The roofs are designed with deep overhangs, offering shade and protection to the building's walls and windows, thus enhancing its energy efficiency.

The construction incorporates partial use of laterite rock stone blocks along with brick masonry, a technique that is common in the area. This choice of materials ensures that the building blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The rough texture of the laterite stone contrasts with the smoother brickwork, adding visual interest and depth to the building’s facade.

Further emphasizing the local architectural style, the building features conventional decorative pillars with distinct bases and capitals, reminiscent of those found in traditional Mangalore buildings. These pillars are used in the corridors and at the main entrances, creating a welcoming atmosphere and reinforcing the cultural connection of the structure.

The building’s walls are finished with cement plaster, and structural elements are highlighted with bands and grooves. A vibrant "APEX" paint finish is applied, bringing rich colors to the exterior, which not only enhances the building's visual appeal but also contributes to its weather resistance.

Overall, the design concept of the Regional Science Centre is to create a built environment that is deeply integrated with its natural surroundings, offering a modern facility that still honors the traditional architectural heritage of Mangalore. This thoughtful approach ensures that the centre will serve as both an educational resource and a cultural landmark.

The site for the Regional Science Centre is situated within the expansive Pilikula Nisarga Dhama, a well-known eco-education and tourism hub in Mangalore. Covering 11 acres, the site features an undulating topography that contributes to the unique character of the development. The layout has been thoughtfully planned to take advantage of the natural landscape while accommodating the functional needs of the science centre and its various attractions.

The main entrance to the complex is positioned on the east side of the site, at a point where the ground level is relatively even. This strategic placement allows for easy access to the centre, guiding visitors naturally into the site. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the Science Park, which is located to the right, extending towards the north and west. The Science Centre itself is situated on the left side, towards the south, creating a balanced layout that is both functional and visually appealing.

The northern part of the site features a steeper slope, as well as dense clusters of trees, providing a naturally shaded area that enhances the park's ambiance. The western side of the site is characterized by large exposed laterite rocks, offering an ideal setting for the development of outdoor exhibits. These natural elements are carefully preserved and integrated into the design of the Science Park, which includes various attractions such as an aviary, Animalorium, picnic areas, medicinal plants corner, and exhibits on solar energy and biogas.

The Science Park's layout is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural topography and existing flora. Meandering pathways and walkways are lined with hedges, shrubs, and a variety of proposed trees, guiding visitors through the park's diverse attractions while maintaining a close connection to nature. These pathways create an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the park's features at their own pace.

The Science Centre is located on the southern side of the site, where the topography is more gradually sloped. The building is strategically placed slightly above the natural laterite rocks in this area, with the ground floor slab cast above the rocks to minimize the need for extensive excavation. This thoughtful approach not only preserves the natural landscape but also ensures that the building integrates harmoniously with its surroundings.

Overall, the site layout of the Regional Science Centre at Pilikula, Mangalore, is a testament to the careful consideration of natural features and topography in the planning process. By respecting the site's inherent characteristics and integrating them into the design, the project creates a cohesive and sustainable environment that enhances the visitor experience while preserving the natural beauty of Pilikula Nisarga Dhama.

The functional layout of the Regional Science Centre at Pilikula, Mangalore, is meticulously planned to accommodate a variety of educational and recreational activities, ensuring an enriching experience for all visitors. The centre is divided into three main blocks: Group-1, Group-2, and Group-3, each serving distinct yet interconnected functions within the complex.

Group-1 comprises the main exhibition area, designed to provide visitors with an immersive educational experience. Visitors enter this area through the main entrance gate and are guided via pedestrian walkways through the Science Park, enhancing the journey with interactive outdoor exhibits. Alternatively, a direct access route from the main gate is available for those who prefer a more straightforward path. Inside, the main entrance lobby leads to three permanent exhibition halls—two located on the lower floor and one on the upper floor. These halls are connected by a smaller interconnecting lobby, equipped with staircases and toilet facilities, ensuring smooth movement between the different levels. Additionally, the lobby links to the Visitor’s Activity Area (Group-2) through a lockable collapsible gate, allowing for flexible use of space.

Group-2, the Visitor’s Activity Area, is a two-storied structure designed to host a variety of activities. The ground floor features a lobby that provides access to an auditorium, a temporary exhibition hall, and a computer room. The lobby is well-equipped with a staircase, a capsule lift, and toilet blocks to facilitate easy vertical movement. On the first floor, the layout includes a seminar room, an adult training hall, a children’s activity hall, and a library, catering to diverse educational and training needs. The seminar room is conveniently connected to the administrative office block (Group-3) via a passageway on the first floor, ensuring efficient communication and workflow. The temporary exhibition hall is also designed with a loading and unloading platform to accommodate logistical needs, while the auditorium is positioned for easy access from the main exhibition area, enhancing its usability.

Group-3, the administrative block, includes the exhibit development laboratory, stores, and administrative offices. This block is a partially single-storied and partially double-storied structure, with the ground floor housing the exhibit development area and stores, along with necessary amenities like toilets and staircases. The first floor is dedicated to the administrative offices, which are directly connected to the seminar room in Group-2, facilitating seamless coordination. The second entrance gate to the complex is strategically located between the Group-2 and Group-3 areas, providing additional access points and improving the flow of visitors and staff within the centre.

All three blocks—Group-1, Group-2, and Group-3—are arranged around a large open atrium, creating a central gathering space that serves as an ideal open-air activity area. This atrium is designed to be an active and passive landscape zone, incorporating natural rocks and shrubs to create a serene environment. A space frame is proposed over the atrium to provide shade and protection, enhancing the usability of this area throughout the year.

Furthermore, the design of each block allows for future horizontal expansion, ensuring that the centre can grow and adapt to future needs. The functional layout of the Regional Science Centre is thus not only designed for current use but also thoughtfully planned for future developments, making it a versatile and sustainable facility.

The movement and circulation within the Regional Science Centre at Pilikula, Mangalore, are thoughtfully designed to ensure a seamless flow of visitors and staff throughout the complex. The layout prioritizes ease of access, intuitive navigation, and the integration of pathways with the natural landscape, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The main entrance to the centre is strategically positioned on the east side of the site, providing a welcoming entry point where the ground level is relatively even. From here, visitors can choose between two primary routes: a pedestrian tour through the Science Park or a direct access route leading straight to the Science Centre. This dual-option approach caters to different visitor preferences, whether they wish to explore the outdoor exhibits first or head directly into the indoor facilities.

Within the Science Park, meandering pathways and walkways are designed to guide visitors through the various outdoor exhibits and recreational areas. These pathways are thoughtfully integrated with the natural topography, allowing visitors to experience the park’s features at their own pace while enjoying the surrounding flora and fauna. The paths are lined with hedges, shrubs, and trees, creating a serene and immersive environment that encourages exploration and discovery.

Once inside the Science Centre, the circulation is designed to be both functional and efficient. The main exhibition area (Group-1) is accessible via walkways from the Science Park, ensuring a smooth transition between outdoor and indoor spaces. Alternatively, visitors can use the direct access route from the main entrance for quicker entry. The interior layout is planned to facilitate easy movement between different exhibition halls, with a well-placed interconnecting lobby that includes staircases and toilet blocks, ensuring that all areas are easily reachable.

The Visitor’s Activity Area (Group-2) is designed with vertical circulation in mind, featuring a lobby equipped with a staircase, capsule lift, and toilet facilities. This layout ensures that visitors can move effortlessly between the ground floor and the first floor, accessing various activity rooms and the auditorium without any hindrance. The separate entrance for this area is connected by road to the main gate and a secondary entrance, providing multiple access points and enhancing the flow of visitors into the complex.

Connectivity between the different blocks is also carefully considered. The seminar room in Group-2 is linked to the administrative office block (Group-3) via a passageway at the first-floor level, ensuring that administrative staff can easily access the visitor areas and vice versa. This connection streamlines internal circulation and facilitates efficient operations within the centre.

Overall, the movement and circulation plan of the Regional Science Centre at Pilikula, Mangalore, is designed to enhance the visitor experience by offering multiple access points, intuitive pathways, and smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. This thoughtful design ensures that all visitors, whether exploring the park or engaging in activities within the centre, can navigate the complex with ease and comfort.